quarta-feira, outubro 03, 2007

A FORMER East Timorese guerilla at the centre of allegations that forced Fretilin prime minister Mari Alkatiri from office last year has been arrested in Dili.

United Nations and Timorese police took Vicente da Conceicao, alias Commander Railos, into custody early yesterday and charged him with offences relating to gun fights at the height of violent upheaval in Dili in May last year.

A UN investigation into the violence found that Railos led 31 fighters in ambushes against Timorese soldiers where as many as nine people were killed.

It found that Railos' group had been supplied uniforms and weapons on the orders of the country's then Fretilin interior minister, Rogerio Lobato, who was subsequently jailed for seven years before leaving the country for medical treatment.

Police arrested Railos at a house in the seaside town of Liquica after Fretilin militants warned they would capture him themselves.

Claims by Railos that Mr Alkatiri was involved in setting up a hit squad to eliminate political rivals forced him to resign as prime minister.

Mr Alkatiri strenuously denied the allegations and prosecutors later said there was no evidence to substantiate them. Coverage of Railos' claims won the ABC's Lateline program a Gold Walkley Award.

Fretilin, the former ruling party that lost power at national elections in June, claimed last week that Railos had been responsible for continuing acts of violence while carrying a travel authorisation letter signed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Meanwhile, President Jose Ramos Horta has announced plans for East Timor to become a tax-free country while spending more money on projects to lift Timorese from poverty.

He said Timor Sea oil and gas revenues now exceed $A112 million a month.

AdvertisementAdvertisementJUST over two months after he resigned as premier, Steve Bracks is embroiled in a political storm after landing a plum role with a major contractor to the Victorian Government — accountancy giant KPMG.

Mr Bracks started working for KPMG on Monday as a senior adviser and a member of the firm's advisory board.

While his pay is confidential, an industry source has estimated he could earn between $80,000 and $100,000 a year for being with KPMG one day a week — a far better daily rate than when he was premier.

KPMG national chairman Michael Andrew said Mr Bracks would provide invaluable advice. "Clients will benefit from his deep knowledge of how government works and from his insights into strategic issues facing governments," he said.

But opposition parties seized on the appointment, demanding guarantees that Mr Bracks would have no part in contracts involving the Government, and calling for a "cooling-off" period for ex-ministers taking up such roles.

The KPMG job is one of several that Mr Bracks has landed since he quit as premier in July, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

Apart from his position advising East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, it has now emerged that Mr Bracks is joining the board of insurance company Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the advisory board of AIMS Financial Group, and becoming an honorary professorial fellow at Melbourne University.

But it is the KPMG role that is causing the stir. Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the Government had awarded KPMG more than 100 contracts and reviews, valued at more than $60 million, in seven years.

"It is quite extraordinary that Mr Bracks is now to be engaged by a private sector corporation under contract to the Victorian Government to provide advice on the very critical sectors of government," he said.

Greens MP Greg Barber said retiring ministers should have a minimum 12-month cooling-off period on their areas of responsibility, and a life ban on transactions they were involved in.

Mr Andrew denied that the appointment would give KPMG special access to Government secrets. "He is bound by cabinet in confidence, and we have also given an undertaking to the head of public service that Steve won't be walking the corridors of government for some time."

Mr Bracks was unavailable for comment last night. His office said his role was primarily to provide mentoring and leadership advice and "has nothing to do with lobbying".

Premier John Brumby would not answer questions, saying through a spokeswoman: "The former premier is entitled to pursue new opportunities after leaving public office."

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports the two Melanesian countries also reiterated their call for closer engagement by the international community to address the underlying causes of the problems in the Pacific islands countries.

It is reported they want to move beyond governance issues to the root causes of instability in the Pacific region.

The Solomon Islands government has called on the United Nations to remove Australia's dominance of the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI.

Solomon Islands foreign minister, Patteson Oti, has told the UN General Assembly the Australian leadership of RAMSI, is more interested in furthering the interests of Australia's federal government.

He also said RAMSI is trying to stop the sovereign government from making decisions for its own people.

Mr Oti says the UN Security Council must play a bigger part in the mission.

While RAMSI has the support of the United Nations, it is not a UN sanctioned peacekeeping force, and Solomon Islands' diplomatic relationship with Taiwan has meant bringing the issue to the security council would likely result in a veto by mainland China.

Australia 'not suprised' by UN speech

Australia's foreign minister, Alexander Downer, says he is not surprised the Solomon Islands Government used the United Nations to attack the role of the RAMSI.

Mr Downer says a coalition of politicians led by the Solomon Islands prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, wants to destroy RAMSI.

"What stands in between RAMSI and its destruction, to tell you the truth, is the very strong public support there is in Solomon Islands for the continuation of RAMSI," he said.

The following is a loose translation from TVTL last night in today's (3.10.07) news summary:

"Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato stated that Timorese law allows international judges to exercise judicial functions in Timor-Leste, but that "we" will evaluate their performance. Those who are not performing well will have their contracts terminated."

She has shown yet again that she does not understand the separation of powers in this country, and the notion of the rule of law, little lone the independence of the judiciary. This is the Minister for Justice who has led ongoing attacks on the judiciary and is interfering with the judiciary. The same one who after being illegally sworn in by the President endeavored to interfere with a court order permitting a prisoner (Rogerio Lobato) seeking urgent medical assiatnce overseas. She tried to use her position as ade facto minister to decree police and immigration officers to obstruct and not execute a lawful court order.

Numerous parliamentarians raised numerous criticisms that she intended to interfere with the judiciary when they pointed out her proposals for "mechanisms for coordination" in relation to the administration and functioning of the courts and porsecutors offices during the debate over the government program. Now we can all see what she must have meant.....that judges are at risk of being sacked for not being liked and other judges more to her and the government's liking reappointed or appointed.

There are mechanisms to ensure the constitutionally mandated independence of judicial appointments and supervision. Its called the Law on The Superior Council for the Public Ministry. She should read it.....and the constitution and a Basic Legal concepts book as well whilst she is there.

Justice and the rule of law are in grave danger, if not already beyond salvaging in Timor-Leste, if this legal ignoramus of a minister remains there even if she is illegitimate. The damage will be too much.

"Alfredo has the right to insist on justiceMinister of Justice Lucia Lobato said that as a citizen, Alfredo Reinado has the right to insist upon justice for himself.Ms. Lobato said that Reinado’s case has already been submitted to the government, and the government has also formed a task force to find a solution acceptable to all parties, including Alfredo Reinado."

"UNMIT assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles or for the accuracy of their translations. The selection of the articles and their content do not indicate support or endorsement by UNMIT express or implied whatsoever. UNMIT shall not be responsible for any consequence resulting from the publication of, or from the reliance on, such articles and translations."

National Media Reports

Mario Carrascalao: we need a military court to process the F-FDTL case

The MP from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) of the national parliament, Mario Viegas Carrascalao, said that there should be a military court to solve F-FDTL cases.

“The military case that is currently in the court is a military crime that should be brought before a military court, not a civil court,” said Mr. Mario on Tuesday (02/10) in Dili.

He added that the military’s case has to be judged in a military court based on the military’s law. (TP)

Claudio Ximenes: “The law doesn’t allow me to give a statement”

The President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes, said that the law gives him no room to give any statement about the letter issued by the judges with regards to the capture Alfredo Reinado Alves.

“I am not allowed to give any statements on cases already in the court process, because the court will make decision based on law; the court should not make a political decision,” said Mr. Claudio on Tuesday (02/10) in his office Caicoli, Dili. (TP)

Jose Neto Moc: UNPol should present facts to the court

The intelligent director of the PNTL, Inspector Jose Maria Neto Moc called on United Nations and UNPol to provide facts to the court following the incidents of 25 May 2006.

According to Mr. Neto, UN and UNPol have some facts regarding such incidents as UNPol members disarming PNTL.

“I am also a victim of the PNTL institution, so the UN and UNPol should state the facts,” said Mr. Neto on Tuesday (02/10) through a letter to the press. (STL and DN)

Alfredo has the right to insist on justice

Minister of Justice Lucia Lobato said that as a citizen, Alfredo Reinado has the right to insist upon justice for himself.

Ms. Lobato said that Reinado’s case has already been submitted to the government, and the government has also formed a task force to find a solution acceptable to all parties, including Alfredo Reinado.

Upon the request of Alfredo that his case should be judged by Timorese judges, Ms. Lobato said that at the present Timor-Leste does not have enough suitable Timorese judges to fill all of the judicial system. (STL)

Joaquim dos Santos: it is not the responsibility of Ramos-Horta to reduce poverty

Joaquim dos Santos, MP from Fretilin said that it is the responsibility of the government to reduce poverty in Timor-Leste, because the president cannot present initiatives to the parliament.

“The government is responsible for the allocation of the budget because it has exclusive competency to allocate the budget of the state,” said Mr. Joaquim on Tuesday (2/10), in response to the promise of President José Ramos-Horta that wants to be the lawyer for the poor and reduce the poverty. (STL)

This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation in Timor-Leste has been generally calm.

Earlier today, police arrested Vicente do Conceicao, alias “Railos”, at his residence near Liquica. He was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued on September 13, 2007 for his alleged role in the events of the 24 and 25 May 2006. Railos has been charged for violating Articles 338 and 55 of the Penal Code, related to homicide, and is expected to appear in Court in Dili later today.

Earlier today in Dili, UNPol attended two confirmed incidents: a minor traffic accident, and a case of domestic violence.

The situation remained calm in Dili on Tuesday night. There were no arrests, although two people were brought to Dili District Headquarters for identification purposes.

On Tuesday in Viqueque, police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with several arson attacks. He is now being held in Baucau prison and will shortly be presented to the court.

The Police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities. You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dili, October 3, 2007 - The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) has confirmed that Vicente do Conceicao, alias “Railos” was arrested early this morning at his residence near Liquica.

He was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant issued on September 13, 2007 for his alleged role in the events of the 25th and 26th of May last year.

Railos has been charged for violating Articles 338 and 55 of the Penal Code, related to homicide, and is expected to appear in Court in Dili later today.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Mr Atul Khare, welcomed the arrest as a continued sign of the continued strong commitment of the authorities of Timor-Leste to implement recommendations of the UN Special Commission of Inquiry Report issued in October last year.

UN police officers, assisted by the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the International Security Forces (ISF) have been positioned in sensitive locations to maintain a calm situation.

DILI (Reuters) - Police in East Timor arrested on Wednesday the suspected head of a hit squad linked with a former interior minister convicted of giving weapons to civilians during a wave of violence last year, the United Nations and police said.

Vicente "Railos" da Conciecao was arrested at his home in Liquica district and charges against him were related to homicide, the United Nations mission in East Timor said in a statement.

He has been linked with former interior minister Rogerio Lobato who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in March for distributing weapons and ammunition to civilians.

Violence broke out in the impoverished tiny country in May last year after the government sacked 600 mutinous members of East Timor's 1,400-strong army. At least 37 people were killed.

The chaos drove more than 100,000 people from their homes and led to the deployment of an international peacekeeping force.

Railos was expected to appear in court in the capital, Dili, later on Wednesday.

"Railos and five of his members are in preventive prison now," police operations commander Mateus Fernandes told Reuters.

Julio da Silva, a relative of Railos, said the arrest was illegal because police did not have a warrant.

East Timor voted in a 1999 referendum for independence from Indonesia, which annexed it after Portugal ended its colonial rule in 1975. The country became fully independent in 2002 after a period of U.N. administration.

DILI (AFP) — A former East Timorese guerrilla fighter was arrested on Wednesday and charged in connection with deadly unrest that flared here last year, the United Nations mission said.

Vicente "Railos" da Conceicao was among a number of key protagonists in a complex plot surrounding East Timor's descent into chaos in April and May last year that is still being unravelled by investigators.

At least 37 people were killed when fighting between various factions of the security forces and gang warfare erupted following the sacking of deserting soldiers. Thousands of foreign peacekeepers were deployed to restore calm.

Da Conceicao and his civilian followers alleged they received weapons from them interior minister Rogerio Lobato, who was jailed for his role in distributing arms, and were paid to kill their political opponents.

"He was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant issued on September 13, 2007 for his alleged role in the events of the 25th and 26th of May last year," the UN mission said in a statement.

"Railos has been charged for violating Articles 338 and 55 of the Penal Code, related to homicide, and is expected to appear in court in Dili later today," it said.

Da Conceicao and his 34 followers eventually handed over their weapons -- 14 assault rifles -- to then prime minister Jose Ramos-Horta in July last year in a ceremony attended by hundreds of people outside the capital.

The ex-fighter apologised publicly for keeping the weapons and maintained they had not been used to carry out the alleged orders of Lobato and then prime minister Mari Alkatiri.

Ramos-Horta hailed the group at the time as setting an example of patriotism in the tiny nation, saying they had not used their weapons against the people.

Alkatiri resigned in the wake of the violence. Ramos-Horta served as interim prime minister until Xanana Gusmao, the country's former president, assumed the post following elections this year.

The UN's top official here, Atul Khare, welcomed Da Conceicao's arrest as being a sign of "the continued strong commitment of the authorities of Timor-Leste to implement recommendations of the UN Special Commission of Inquiry Report issued in October last year."

That commission had recommended that Alkatiri be investigated for his role in the violence, but prosecutors found there was no evidence to support laying criminal charges against him.

Lobato, who was jailed in March, has since travelled to Malaysia for medical treatment and Dili has asked for international assistance to ensure he returns to serve out his seven-year term.

UN and local police along with the International Security Forces (ISF) have been positioned in sensitive locations to maintain order following Da Conceicao's arrest, the UN mission also said.